Injured bald eagle released back into wild

SAMMAMISH, Wash. -- A bald eagle that was rescued last week after becoming tangled in a piece of rope was released back into the wild on Tuesday.

Experts from Sarvey Wildlife Center, where the eagle was treated, drove the animal back to the Pine Lake area to be released.

After the door on the cage was opened the eagle hesitated for just a moment before flying off into the tree tops nearby.

Kestral Skyhawk with Sarvey Wildlife Center said the eagle burned a lot of calories struggling to free itself from the rope and needed about a week of recuperation.

"It needed to have some rest so it can continue doing the things it needs to do in the wild," she said.

Skyhawk said it was great seeing the eagle take flight on Tuesday.

"I've been doing this for almost 30 years and each one gets your heart going," she said. "Each one is really special."